Abdulla Dudev, Human Rights House Grozny, said on human rights day: “In the current atmosphere of fear and repressions, in the harsh and hostile environment for human rights in the Russian Federation, it is unfortunately extremely difficult to have a positive mindset for the future, even as near as 2016. But knowing that there exists a society of people who wish for the better, who strive for human rights and freedoms and who have a strong solidarity with each other – it provides a seed for positive attitude and shines brightly as a light at the end of the tunnel. May the year 2016 bring out only the best in us!” 

Human rights defenders have had some great positives this last month. A new stronger and extended UN resolution on the right to be a human rights defender has been adopted, and Leyla and Arif Yunus have been released from prison. 

“We want to build on this positivity and lift all human rights defenders on human rights day. We want to take them from their hard work in simply being able to work or exist as human rights defenders in many countries, to the reason for their hard work: their hopes for change in human rights,” commented Kaja Haldorsen, Communications Manager at Human Rights House Network. 

Human rights defenders expressed their hopes on Twitter and on Instagram under the hashtags #HRHNHope16 and #humanrightsday. We will continue to update this list as the messages come in.

  • “My hope for 2016 is that we will see more ‪‎free and ‪‎fair ‪elections on the ‪African continent. We’ve witnessed several peaceful transitions already the last couple of years; I hope we see more of that.” Johan Hermstad, Fellesrådet for Afrika (Norwegian Council for Africa).
  • “I hope that one day I will be able to stop fighting for my rights and others, for a better country where everyone’s rights are respected and included in all processed. And I hope that one day our centre will be closed because no woman would ever need our services anymore, as there will be no more domestic violence to report and no discrimination to denounce.” Lara Aharonian, Women’s Resource Centre Armenia.
  • “I wish for justice for everyone and hope next year that our friend, human rights lawyer, or colleague Intigam Aliyev will be free.” Liudmila Ulyashyna, Human Rights House Network.
  • “Let us recommit to guaranteeing the fundamental freedoms and protecting the human rights of all.” Pink Armenia.
  • “My hope for 2016 is that all political prisoners are released and rehabilitated.” Maria Dahle, Human Rights House Network.
  • “My wish for 2016 is that every refugee will find a safe place to live their lives in dignity.” Elisabeth NG Langdal, Health and Human Rights Info, Oslo.
  • “My wish for 2016 is that a peace agreement between the Colombian government and FARC will be signed, without any cost for the dignity of the victims of the armed conflict.” Diana Carolina Montoya, Health and Human Rights Info Oslo.
  • “My hope for 2016 is that the human rights defenders in Azerbaijan – Intigam, Khadija, Rasul, and Amar – will be released.” Ane Bonde, Human Rights House Network.
  • “My hope for 2016 is that North and South Korea will find more peace integrating women’s voices.” Betsy, Health and Human Rights Info Oslo.
  • I hope that in 2016 the words “activists” and “human rights defenders” are positive. Florian Irminger, Human Rights House Network.
  • “I hope my friends Rasul Jafarov, Intigam Aliyev, and Khadija Ismayil will be released in a free and respecting human rights Azerbaijan.” Dominika Bychawska-Siniarska, Helsinki Foundation for Human Rights Poland.
  • “I hope that next year, more people, different for whatever reasons, will treat each other with respect rather than hatred or fear.” Daiva Petkeviciute, Human Rights House Network.
  • “Let’s hope that the next year we will have more equality for everyone and more freedom to do whatever we put our minds to in any part of the world.” Kety Abashidze, Human Rights House Network.
  • “I hope for a peaceful world with respect at the top of the agenda. I hope for people to realize the human rights they take for granted are threatened elsewhere in the world.” Shani Pearson, Human Rights House Network.
  • “In 2016, I want to have a government that respects and pays attention to protection of human rights, and I want all wires that neighbouring countries put at the borders to be removed.” Sanja Sarnavka B.a.B.e.,  Zagreb